What Happened This Year 1923

Born in 1923

Estelle Getty

Actress best known for The Golden Girls
Born
July 25th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2008 16 years ago — 84 years old

An American actress gained prominence through the role of Sophia Petrillo on the television series The Golden Girls. This role garnered significant acclaim and led to a successful career in television and film. Additionally, starred in the movie Mask alongside Cher, showcasing versatility as an actress. Received multiple awards for contributions to entertainment, including an Emmy Award nomination. Also performed in various stage productions, further displaying talent in acting.

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Maria Gripe

Swedish author and children's book writer
Born
July 25th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2007 17 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to children's literature. Authored numerous books that often featured themes of adventure and fantasy. Works included collaborations with illustrators that enhanced the storytelling experience. Gripe's narratives often dealt with complex emotions and existential questions, appealing to both children and adults. Her storytelling style blended realism with elements of myth, making stories relatable yet imaginative. Gripe received several awards recognizing her contributions to literature, including the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

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Bernice Rubens

Welsh author and Booker Prize winner
Born
July 26th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2004 20 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1923 in Cardiff, this author gained prominence in the literary world with a distinctive narrative style. The first woman to win the Booker Prize, the work garnered critical acclaim and elevated the author's status in modern literature. A notable theme in the works involved the exploration of human relationships, often highlighting the complexities of life and the darker aspects of society. Contributions to literature thrived throughout several decades, with multiple novels published, showcasing a keen ability to weave intricate plots and profound observations.

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Jan Berenstain

Author and illustrator of children's books
Born
July 26th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 89 years old

An American author and illustrator collaborated with her husband to create the beloved children's book series featuring the Berenstain Bears. The series debuted in 1962 and has since become a staple in children's literature, selling millions of copies worldwide. During the career, book titles expanded to include various educational themes and life lessons. The work transitioned into television adaptations, further popularizing the characters.

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Hoyt Wilhelm

Baseball player and coach, Hall of Famer
Born
July 26th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 2002 22 years ago — 79 years old

Professional baseball career spanned from 1944 to 1972. Played as a pitcher for multiple Major League Baseball teams, with notable tenures at the New York Giants and the Chicago White Sox. Became the first relief pitcher to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Contributed to the game as a coach after retirement, mentoring players and sharing knowledge of pitching techniques.

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Mas Oyama

Martial artist and founder of Kyokushin
Born
July 27th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
1994 31 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1923, a martial artist acclaimed for founding Kyokushin karate, a style emphasizing full-contact sparring. Established a worldwide network of dojos and became an influential figure in karate. Gained recognition for participating in public demonstrations, including legendary fights against bulls, showcasing physical prowess and discipline. Authored multiple books on karate, contributing to its popularization, and trained numerous students, further expanding the discipline's reach.

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Edgar Cortright

American scientist and engineer
Born
July 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2014 10 years ago — 90 years old

Contributed to the development of various space programs and technologies. Played a significant role in NASA's Project Apollo, which successfully landed humans on the Moon. Also worked on the Skylab space station and the development of scientific instruments for satellite missions. Held a prominent position at the Goddard Space Flight Center, focusing on aerospace engineering and satellite technology.

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George Burditt

Screenwriter and producer of sitcoms
Born
July 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
June 25th, 2013 11 years ago — 89 years old

A screenwriter and producer, major contributions included work on television sitcoms throughout the late 20th century. Created and wrote for the television series 'Three's Company', which gained significant popularity during its run. Contributed to the writing of 'The Golden Girls', another influential sitcom. Engaged in producing and writing for various other successful television shows, shaping comedic narratives of the era.

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Gordon Mitchell

Bodybuilder and actor in 1960s films
Born
July 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1923, this figure began a career in bodybuilding, earning recognition as a champion in the sport. Transitioning to acting, contributions spanned various genres, with roles in films such as "Daughter of the Sun" and "The Last of the Vikings." The individual's physical prowess and on-screen presence made for a notable career in both bodybuilding and film.

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